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Closed15 replies

Pops out of 4th gear

FM Former Member
My VS runs pretty good except for a couple of problems one of them being that it pops out of 4th gear whenever I hit a bump in the road like a transition onto an overpass while on the highway.My local mechanic said he would have to pull the trans to find out and then suggested a bungey cord to place slight pressure on the shifter so it won't pop out which happens to work since I've been placing my hand on the shifter slightly to keep in gear.It doesn't happen in any other gear and I have read something about damaging the synchros with my hand on the shifter. I'm thinking I'll use slight pressure and keep enjoying the ride for a while before pulling the trans since I hardly ever get out out of 3rd gear here in the south bay. Any thoughts?Hey Vince how about meeting up next week for coffee?
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FM Former Member
My VS runs pretty good except for a couple of problems one of them being that it pops out of 4th gear whenever I hit a bump in the road like a transition onto an overpass while on the highway.My local mechanic said he would have to pull the trans to find out and then suggested a bungey cord to place slight pressure on the shifter so it won't pop out which happens to work since I've been placing my hand on the shifter slightly to keep in gear.It doesn't happen in any other gear and I have read something about damaging the synchros with my hand on the shifter. I'm thinking I'll use slight pressure and keep enjoying the ride for a while before pulling the trans since I hardly ever get out out of 3rd gear here in the south bay. Any thoughts?Hey Vince how about meeting up next week for coffee?
LeonChuppLeonChupp
Generaly, jumping out of gear is caused by either worn or damaged shift forks or synchronizers....The problem is basicly that the gears never fully mesh to begin with....Contact Rancho Performance or another transaxle rebuilder for more precise details, as it is most likely you will need to discuss possible repairs and/or repair costs...

Good luck....
LeonChuppLeonChupp
If you decide to have your tranny rebuilt, consider the upgrades that are available....Steel shift forks, hardened keys, different ring and pinion ratio, etc, etc.....A standard tranny was designed for 60-65hp day in day out service....Flog it and it doesn't like it too well...

Many owners run freeway flyer boxes for the gas milage and reduced engine rpm at speed.....Some also use the "street poro" beefed up rebuild...This lets the tranny take more than normal punishment...

Talk with the rebuilder, and get the cost up front...
tmpusfugittmpusfugit
You might want to try adjusting the linkage to the transmission. If the bushings are not up to snuff or the adjustments are not correct, or the motor mounts loose or torn, the tranny may pop out of gear....

The most likely cause is already suggested, but I would not consider the transmission as bad until I checked and verified the linkage, bushings, and motor mounts.....you may get lucky....
FM Former Member
I agree with Jim. The fact that you can hold it in gear with a bungee or slight hand pressure indicates that the transaxle is probably ok, but he shift linkage is slightly out of adjustment and not quite providing the full stroke to completely engage the gears.

BUT, check your motor mounts first! If they are loose or torn then it can pop out of gear -- especially on bumps or acceleration / deceleration. (Been there, done that.)

Cheers,
Mark
Gordon NicholsGordon NicholsMassachusetts 1993 CMC Supporting Member
Oscar:

I know this has been mentioned, but make real sure, too, that the shift rod coupler (under the panel behind/between the seats) is TIGHT. Sometimes the little lock-bolts get a bit loose (they're arrow-tiped, rather than flat at the bottom, and should have a lock wire through the heads) and can wear a small groove in the shafts allowing them to slip just a bit back and forth because you pull harder back and forth than left to right (no resistance in that direction). Pull into gear and there might be just enough slop to let slip back out.
FM Former Member
In all probability you are experiencing a 4th gear brake band issue, depending on the gearbox that you are using. Also known as a synchro. This basically synchronizes the gear and holds it into position. As these get worn they tend to allow the operating sleeve, or guide sleeve to pop off the dog ring that is attached to the gear itself. This can be really frustrating, but is a relatively easy fix. Not even that expensive.

I would be happy to help if anyone has any questions that they would like to ask, or if you are in need of sourcing the parts. This is not an ad, although I have a feeling that it is on the fringe of being one. I just want to help. Hope the info if nothing else has been of some use.

Warmest Regards,

Erik Johnson
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